Legends of Opera

Patrice Munsel

Patrice Munsel is an American coloratura soprano, who in her time was the youngest singer to ever star at the Metropolitan Opera, in New York.

She was frequently nicknamed "Princess Pat".

Patrice Munsel first sang at the Metropolitan at age 17, in March 1943. She made her official debut on December 4, 1943 at the age of 18, singing Philine in "Mignon".

Perhaps best known for the role of Adele in "Die Fledermaus," she performed 225 times at the Metropolitan. Sir Rudolf Bing called her a "superb soubrette", and implied that she was the world's best. Her opera roles included Rosina in "The Barber of Seville," and Despina in "Cosi Fan Tutte" and Anna Glawari in The Merry Widow.